Microprocessor vs. Microcontroller

Microprocessornoun

(computer hardware) the entire CPU of a computer on a single integrated circuit (chip).

Microprocessornoun

integrated circuit semiconductor chip that performs the bulk of the processing and controls the parts of a system;

Microprocessor

A microprocessor is a computer processor wherein the data processing logic and control is included on a single integrated circuit, or a small number of integrated circuits. The microprocessor contains the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry required to perform the functions of a computer’s central processing unit.

Microcontrollernoun

A microcomputer on a single chip, used to control some device such as an automobile engine or a toy.

Microcontroller

A microcontroller (MCU for microcontroller unit) is a small computer on a single metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit (IC) chip. A microcontroller contains one or more CPUs (processor cores) along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals.